Dynamos Football Club have been disqualified from the inaugural Marvelous Nakamba Under 17 (U-17) invitational tournament in Bulawayo over alleged age cheating.
The tournament is being held at White City Stadium in the City of Kings and bankrolled by the Aston Villa midfielder through his Marvelous Nakamba Foundation (MNF).
Dynamos, who had progressed to the semi-finals set for this Sunday after collecting nine points in Group A, have been disqualified from the tournament for using an over-aged player.
Soccer24 reports that the player in question was part of the national U-17 team disqualified from the 2020 Cosafa U-17 tournament, and that triggered suspicion.
One of the organisers of the tournament, who asked not to be named, confirmed that DeMbare have been disqualified. Said the official:
Yes, they have been disqualified. And it’s sad for the game and unfortunate on the debate as a brand. They will be replaced in the semi-finals by the team which finished third in their group.
Dynamos, Highlanders, Njube Spurs, Hwange Dynamo, Albun Academy, MAJESA, Bulawayo City, Ajax HotSpurs and Chicken Inn took part in the tournament.